Careers at Bucknell

Assistant Director of Outdoor Education

The Assistant Director of Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL) will help lead and support a growing and vibrant Outdoor Education program including ClimBucknell, the Climbing Program, BuckWild, and weekend experiences and trips. Serving an active campus community, OEL is committed to experiential learning, exposing students, faculty and staff to the outdoors, and providing diversity and inclusivity training for all group leaders and trainers.

This position reports to the Director of Outdoor Education and Leadership within the Division of Student Affairs and requires evening, weekend and week-long commitments due to workshops, trips, and training schedules.

Job Duties:

Leadership● Provide leadership and oversight of ClimBucknell, a challenge course featuring low and high elements, a climbing tower and a zip line located at the Forrest D. Brown Conference Center in Cowan, PA, just seven miles from campus. Recruit, hire and train student and staff employees.● Provide leadership and oversight of the Climbing Program which includes indoor and outdoor climbing walls open to student, faculty, staff and community member use. Recruit, hire and train student and staff employees.● Advise and provide oversight of the Outing Club including coordinating weekend excursions for its members such as white water rafting and canoeing trips. ● Assist with the coordination of extended break trips including domestic and international learning adventures.● Coordinate various OEL programs such as Canoe Battleship, Bouldering Competitions and Bison Bruisers.● Supervise undergraduate and graduate staff, a leadership team of five to eight students, and an estimated 60 student and staff employees involved in OEL programs.● Work with the Director of OEL on the planning and implementation of BuckWild, an outdoor pre-orientation experience designed to support first-year students in transitioning to the University. ● Support the Director of OEL in the oversight of risk management for the OEL Program.● Implement diversity and inclusion initiatives into designated program areas.

Administrative ● Manage appropriate operating budgets for program areas within OEL.● Manage administrative tasks by collaborating with campus partners including Events Management, Facilities, Athletics and Risk Management.● Manage the registration and implementation of specific medical trainings for internal staff and off-campus constituents. ● Manage vehicle and fleet training for all eligible staff of the program.● Organize the daily, monthly and annual safety equipment inspections.● Participate in curriculum development and implementation for leadership programs and faculty initiatives. ● Conduct best practice research and assessment efforts.

Department and Divisional Responsibilities● Represent OEL by serving on Student Affairs or university committees.● Attend and actively participate in office, departmental, and divisional staff meetings, retreats, and trainings.● Collaborate with offices within the Division of Student Affairs and other university departments to ensure cohesive programming and services.● Maintain a high degree of visibility to students, faculty and staff.● Complete other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: ● Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership, Outdoor Experiential Education, Recreation and Park Management, Environmental Studies or related field● One year of work experience in an outdoor education field or setting● Challenge course facilitation experience with a variety of populations● Experience with managing an indoor climbing facility● Proficiency in outdoor technical rock climbing, both top site management, lead climbing and winter climbing activities● Technical experience, including teaching experience and risk management knowledge, of at least two of the following: whitewater kayaking or rafting; flat water canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding; 3 to 4 season backpacking; caving; mountaineering; backcountry skiing or snowboarding; mountain biking; cross country skiing; international or domestic travel with groups● Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion through programming, trainings/workshops or mentoring● Marketing skills, computer skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Apps).● Valid driver's license plus the ability to drive oversized hauling vehicles with trailers ● Certifications (or willingness to work towards certifications) including Red Cross or American Heart CPR/AED Certification, Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - written and oral

Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering and management programs. Our students choose from more than 50 majors and 60 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning and research opportunities. Bucknell’s 3,600 undergraduate and 100 graduate students enjoy a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors.

Bucknell’s beautiful 450-acre campus includes first-rate facilities and is home to more than 90 percent of its students. Residential life is vibrant with about 150 student-run organizations, 27 NCAA Division I athletic teams, a robust arts culture, and a strong student commitment to community and global service work.

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

The Community

Located in central Pennsylvania, Lewisburg features a variety of restaurants, beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), charming shops and boutiques, and the Barnes and Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. About 33,000 residents live in the region.

The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University’s main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Bucknell is about three hours from New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The cost of living here is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell’s surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and many opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School is consistently ranked among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.

Search results

Come join Bucknell University's Division of Student Affairs as the Assistant Director of Outdoor Education and Leadership, a new position within our Outdoor Education program. This position will help lead and support our growing and vibrant outdoor education program. This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt, benefits eligible position.

Current Faculty & Staff Openings

Come join Bucknell University's Division of Student Affairs as the Assistant Director of Outdoor Education and Leadership, a new position within our Outdoor Education program. This position will help lead and support our growing and vibrant outdoor education program. This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt, benefits eligible position.

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